Events Calendar: December 6 – 13

Fifty local artists, including Robert Bateman, Roy Henry Vickers and Alison Watt, are taking on the Enbridge pipeline in their own special way — with works of visual art. Over the summer, these artists captured images of the B.C. coast through painting and sculpture. The results of the project will be on display at this art show to let us know what we might lose if the pipeline and oil tankers show up on our coast. If it were up to me, I’d use a different tactic — I’d paint works of art on the actual oil company executives. They’d find me so annoying they’d give up on fossil fuels and invest in fusion energy instead. Flying DeLoreans, here we come!

Pat Martin Bates is one of Canada’s most highly acclaimed printmakers and a pioneer in the field of printmaking. One such pioneering printmaking method was with backlit, pierced prints. Hmm, makes me think of Lite-Brite. Ever seen one of those? They’re awesome. If her works are as awesome as Lite-Brite, then maybe I ought to check out her book signing . . . and maybe you should, too!

The iPad mini. The Wii U. Double-bladed Sith lightsabers. Big-box stores full of high-priced techno-gifts got you feeling down? Try finding some holiday shopping alternatives at this marketplace featuring gifts created by local artisans. Featured wares include pottery, jewellery and other handmade items. Maybe they’ll have something really cool, like a human-powered helicopter made out of hemp fibre. You’ll never know unless you go, right?

Want to know how to make your own panties, or “knickers” as they’re called in the U.K. (or by Canadians in a cheeky mood)? Check out this workshop, which will take you through the whole process from choice of material to construction. Sewing noobs should stay away, however; this workshop is for those with some sewing experience. You’ll be able to make heavy-duty panties for yourself and some slightly awkward Christmas gifts for others.

Woodwynn Farms, which provides support and community for the homeless, will be hosting a farmers’ market each Saturday until Christmas. Proceeds will go towards the programs offered by the farm. Products from companies such as Ten Thousand Villages and Level Ground coffee will also be available. If you have to bus, it’s quite a trip to get out there, I know — but it’s totally worth it. If you can get a ride with someone, it’s way less of a hassle. If you can teleport there, it’s no hassle at all, and if that’s the case, I hope you’re using your powers for good. Helping this organization out is a good start. With great power comes great responsibility.
For more info, visit woodwynnfarms.org
Woodwynn Farms (7789 West Saanich Rd.). 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free.

CULTURE

Thursday, Dec. 13Pacific Peoples’ Partnership Annual General Meeting

What do the indigenous people of B.C., Hawaii, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea have in common? The Pacific Ocean, you silly goose. You know, that big honkin’ blue thing on Google Earth.

The Pacific Peoples’ Partnership is a Canadian NGO that works with developing island nations in the South Pacific on issues such as sustainable development and social justice. This will be a good event to attend if you’re interested in indigenous issues, and there’ll be no shortage of art, culture or music on display. Just try to ignore the dark, chilly December evening as you step outside; what a shock to the system that will be after hearing people talk about the South Pacific all night!

Sunday, Dec. 9 and Wednesday, Dec. 12 (and subsequent Wednesdays and Sundays)Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Guided Bird WalksDo you like birdwatching? I do. I like all sorts of birds, even the oft-maligned Canada Goose. Yes, Canada geese poop and hiss a lot, but they’re not that bad. Just stay away from them when they have babies and you’ll be fine. If you’re already a goose fan, then you ought to check out this guided bird walk and share your goose fandom with other goose fans. It’s like a comic-con but for geese (as well as other birds). Be sure to bring your binoculars and maybe some good-quality boots. Depending on where you walk, make sure to check for goose poop on the bottom of your boots after you leave.